I understand that there are some complaints regarding seaweed at the town beach this season. I recommend reading the article which appeared in last Sunday’s Providence Journal describing the seaweed problems in Middletown and Newport as a good starting point for those truly wishing to understand the issue. Although our seaweed is a different species, the increase in sheer volume this season is similar, and the causes the same.

For those calling for heads to roll, I offer the following: Mackerel Cove Beach is raked by tractor and york rake seven days a week, weather and tide permitting. This does not mean you will not encounter seaweed. Using today, Monday, Aug. 22, as an example, the beach was thoroughly raked between 8 and 9 a.m. Unfortunately, high tide occurs today at 10:30 a.m. When the water recedes around midday, tons of seaweed will be left behind, running the length of the beach, and afternoon beachgoers will have to step through it. Firing the person who drove the tractor at 8 a.m. will not prevent this from occurring! For those who suggest trucking the weed away, remember that would also mean trucking away tons of sand with it. Even if we could afford the expense, we can ill afford to truck tons of sand away from our tiny, already shrinking beach.

One more note of caution for those interested. Mackerel Cove’s water quality is tested twice each season. Three samples are taken each time. The first test in early June showed no detectable levels of bacteria at all three sites. This is consistent with past experience, even mid-season. The second test one month later, however, showed a count of 63 at the west end, and 81 at the middle of the beach. The highest acceptable level is 108. We have never before had readings approaching 80 percent of the allowable level.

So what is different now? More boats in the cove? More runoff? Higher than usual water temperatures? All of these factors are probably contributing to increased bacteria and increased seaweed growth.

The real solutions, I fear, go well beyond the local level, and well beyond our budgetary limitations. I hope action can be taken soon at the state and even the federal level. In the meantime, we’ll keep raking!